The Apprenticeship scheme at Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth is well known as one of the best of its kind, having been honoured with multiple awards from within the shipbuilding industry as well as recognition from national business awards. For each intake the yard receives over 10 applications for every one space offered, with the course having trained over 160 local young people in its 17-year history. More than 70% of those who have gone through the apprenticeship at Pendennis are now employed by the superyacht build and refit company in Falmouth, with some having progressed to become senior trade managers.

Pendennis General Apprenticeship Scheme 2014 Graduates

Pendennis manages two courses: the General Apprenticeship Scheme and the Surface Finishing Apprenticeship. Over recent months Pendennis has welcomed a new set of 14 apprentices onto the four-year General Apprenticeship course and saw 14 local young people graduate from the scheme: Joe Chambers, James Hitchens, Lewis Doubleday, David Banks, Luke Hocking, Tobias Arkell, Harry Smith, Sam Coltman, Dan Peek, Sam Philpott, Dean Oliver, Tom Blewett, Josh Skelton, and Jacob Stone.

In January the final year Surface Finishing Apprentices joined their peers as they completed their three-year course, celebrating with a graduation ceremony at the National Maritime Museum, Cornwall. Nicola Hall, Nick Hawling, Fraser Sanders and David Wills were each presented with a blue hard hat, replacing their red apprentice cap, signifying their progression to permanent members of the Surface Finishing department at Pendennis. Another group of Surface Finishing Apprentices is due to start this course at the end of January.

Pendennis Surface Finishing Graduates 2015

Not only does the Pendennis scheme train individuals in yacht fabrication, joinery, paint and engineering skills, but also creates rounded individuals who are a valuable asset to each project team. The apprentices are encouraged to undertake Duke of Edinburgh training, participate in local community projects, and complete RYA courses. The youngsters on the course are recognised year after year as some of the best apprentices in the shipbuilding industry by the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights Queens Silver Medal award. In December two Pendennis apprentices, Joe Chambers and James Hitchens, finished 2nd and 4th respectively in this prestigious national award.

2014 QSM winners Joe Chambers and James Hitchens

Mike Carr, Managing Director commented: “These apprenticeships not only provide Pendennis Shipyard with the next generation of superyacht employees, but provide an opportunity for local young people to build a long-term career in a fascinating and highly skilled industry. Each year it is a pleasure to see new youngsters arrive at the start of their course, and to celebrate the graduation of the final year apprentices as we welcome them into the Pendennis family.”